Smoke filter

ABSTRACT

A tobacco smoke filter is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical member formed of smoke-impervious material. The member includes a pair of hingedly connected semicylindrical sections and a pair of perforated panels hingedly connected to the semicylindrical sections and disposed therebetween. One of the panels and one of the semicylindrical members cooperate to form a first passageway having an open upstream end and a closed downstream end. The other panel and semicylindrical member cooperate to form a second passageway having a closed upstream end and an open downstream end. The passageways are in communication with one another only through the perforated panels. Smoke is adapted to pass through the perforations of the panel defining the first passageway as a plurality of highvelocity jets which impinge against the adjacent surface of the panel defining the second passageway.

United States Patent 7/1929 131/261 BUX [72] Inventor Kai-01.]. Mysels Winston-Salem,N.C. 2/1952 131/261 B UX 30488 Primary Examiner-Samuel Koren Assistant Examiner-.1. F. Pitrelli [2]] Appl. No.

[22] Filed Apr.2l, 1970 22:25:: Tobacco p y Anorney Pendleton, Neuman, Williams & Anderson Winston-Salem, N.C.

ABSTRACT: A tobacco smoke filter is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical member formed of smokeimpervious material. The member includes a pair of hingedly connected semicylindrical sections and a pair of perforated panels hingedly connected to the semicylindrical sections and disposed therebetween. One of the panels and one of the M F g m mw m LD 5 mm 0h MC S9 M w "0 mm 1 3 31 l l 0 m M3 L C s U l 2 5 [51] Int. A24d 0l/04, semicylindrical members cooperate to form a first passageway having an open upstream end and a closed downstream end.

A24f07/04, A24f 13/06 [50] Field ofSearch........................................... l3l/lO.5, The other panel and semicylindrical member cooperate to form a second passageway having a closed upstream end and an open downstream end. The passageways are in communication with one another only through the perforated panels. Smoke is adapted to pass through the perforations of the panel defining the first passageway as a plurality of high-velocity jets w 2 m 2 B m 2 S T N w MA w mm MA m m w. N U m H 131/10 5 X l3 H105 X whlch impinge against the ad acent surface of the panel defin- 1331/26] B UX ing the second passageway 12/1967 Thomson......................

slszslssz PATENTEB m 1.4 B?! SMOKE FILTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various tobacco smoke filters have heretofore been provided; however, because of various design features, they have been beset with one or more of the following shortcomings: a) the filter is of a costly complex construction; b) the filter is not capable of high-speed assembly by automatic equipment; c) the filtering efficiency is low; and d) the pressure drop across the filter is high and increases during smoking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a smoke filter which avoids the shortcomings associated with prior filter constructions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a smoke filter which comprises a minimum number of component parts.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a smoke filter which will not deleteriously affect the aroma and taste of the smoke.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a smoke filter which may be utilized with a variety of tobacco products.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, an improved smoke filter is provided which comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical member formed of smoke impervious material. The cylindrical member includes a pair of hingedly connected semicylindrical sections and a pair of perforated panels hingedly connected to said sections and disposed intermediate said sections. The panels are arranged in parallel, closely spaced relation. One of the panels cooperates with one of the semicylindrical sections to form a first passageway having an open upstream end and a closed downstream end. The other panel cooperates with the other semicylindrical section to form a second passageway having a closed upstream end and an open downstream end. The two passageways communicate with one another only through the perforated 'panels. The perforations formed in the panel defining the first passageway are sized so that the smoke passes therethrough only as a plurality of high-velocity jets which impinge against the adjacent surface of the second perforated panel before passing into the second passageway.

DESCRIPTION For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of one form of the improved filter including a hollow cylindrical member which is shown aligned with one end ofa tobacco rod to form a filter cigarette; the outer sleeve or tipping paper comprising a component of the cigarette is shown in unfolded condition so as to expose other components of the filter.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hollow cylindrical member shown in FIG. 1, but with the member in a fully unfolded condition.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hollow cylindrical member of FIG. 2 shown in an unfolded condition.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are end views of the hollow cylindrical member in various stages of being folded.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 77 ofFlG. 6.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, one form of the improved filter 10 is shown in combination with a tobacco rod 11 to form a filter cigarette 12. While the improved filter is shown and is hereinafter described with respect to a tobacco rod, it is to be understood, of course, that it is not to be limited thereto but may be utilized in combination with cigarette and/or cigar holders, pipe stems, etc.

Filter 10, as illustrated, includes a hollow cylindrical member 13, which is disposed in an endwise abutting relation with respect to the downstream end of the tobacco rod 11, a cylindrical plug 14 of fibrous material (e.g., Estron) abutting the downstream end of member 13, and a sleeve 15 of smokeimpervious material (e.g., tipping paper) which snugly encompasses the member 13, plug 14. and downstream end of the tobacco rod 11 and retains same in a predetermined fixed relation. If desired, the plug 14 may be eliminated.

The tobacco rod 11 is of conventional construction and includes a core 110 of compacted shreds of blended tobacco. The core is encompassed by a sleeve 11b of conventional cigarette paper. The length of the rod 11 may vary as desired.

The hollow cylindrical member 13 is preferably of a smokeimpervious plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like and is formed by injection molding or the like. In molding the member, it is arranged in a fully unfolded position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Member 13, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a pair of semicylindrical sections 16 and 17 which are of like configuration and have ad- 20 jacent elongated edges thereof hingedly connected to one another along a foldline 18. Hingedly connected to the opposite or outer elongated edge of each semicylindrical section are perforated panels 20 and 21. The panels 20 and 21 assume parallel, closely spaced relation and are disposed intermediate the folded semicylindrical sections 16 and 17 when the latter assume inverted superposed relation, see FIGS. 5-7.

semicylindrical sections 16 and 17 are of substantially like configuration, except that section 16 has the downstream end thereof closed by a semicircular smoke barrier whereas section 17 has the upstream end thereof closed by a similar semicircular smoke barrier 17a. Intermediate the ends of each semicylindrical section 16 or 17 are disposed one or more reinforcing baffles 6lb-c, or l7b-c. The baffles extend trans-- versely of the axis of each section and the inner edge E of each baffle is serrated or provided with a plurality of openings, see FIG. 7, so as to permit flow of the smoke past the baffle. The bafiles serve to reinforce each semicylindrical section and to retain the perforated panels in parallel relation. The number of baffles utilized will depend upon the length of the section and the thickness of material utilized in forming the section.

Panel 20 cooperates with semicylindrical section 16 to form a first passageway A having an open upstream end which abuts the downstream end of the tobacco "rod 11. The downstream end of passageway A, as previously mentioned, is closed by smoke barrier 16a carried by the section 16. Panel 21, on the other hand, cooperates with semicylindrical section 17 to form a second passageway B having an open downstream end which abuts plug 14, when the latter is used. The two passageways A and B communicate with one another only through the perforated panels 20 and 21.

The number and size of the perforations 200 formed 'in panel 20 are such that the smoke is adapted to flow therethrough in the form of a plurality of high-velocity jets. For example, there may be 10 circular perforations each being of the same size and presenting a total cross-sectional area of about 0.001 square inch.

The perforations 21a formed in panel 21, on the other hand, are substantially larger in size than perforations 20a and are laterally offset with respect thereto. in the illustrated embodiment of panels 20 and 21, it will be noted, that the perforations 200 are arranged in two closely spaced parallel rows which are aligned with an area formed between two widely spaced parallel rows of perforations 21a formed in panel 21.

One or both of the panels 20 or 21 are provided with a plurality of projections P which contact the adjacent surface of the other panel and maintain the adjacent surfaces in a predetermined closely spaced (e.g., 0.0l inch) parallel relapanel 21 to the inner surface of panel 20, the high-velocity smoke jets will impinge against the inner surface of panel 21 causing deposition thereon of the liquid and/or solid particles entrained in the smoke jets. P, projections, see FIG. 4, extend across the upstream and downstream ends of the member 13 and prevents smoke from the rod initially passing between panels 20 and 21 rather than through passageway A and then subsequently passing though passageway B.

It is preferred that the thickness of panel 20 be less than about 0.01 inch so as to reduce as much as possible the pressure drop across the panel. Because of the comparatively large size of the perforations 21a formed in panel 21, no significant increase in pressure drop results by reason of the smoke passing therethrough.

In order to assure a more effective smoke barrier at the downstream end of passageway A and the upstream end of passageway B, panels 20 and 21 may be provided with end partitions 20b and 21b, respectively. The partitions also facilitate folding of the respective panels during forming of the hollow cylindrical member 13. Each partition is disposed to the inside of the adjacent barrier 16a or 17a formed in the semicylindrical section 16 or 17.

In folding member 13, the panels 20 and 21 are first folded simultaneously inwardly relative to sections 16 and 17 so as to overlie same, see FIG. 4. Following this initial fold, the two sections 16 and 17 and the corresponding panels 20 and 21 are then folded as units about foldline 18, see FIG. 5. The aforenoted sequence of folding can be readily performed by automatic equipment. The outer diameter of the fully folded member 13 closely approximates the outside diameter of the tobacco rod 11, see FIG. 1.

Once the member 13 is positioned adjacent the end of the tobacco rod 11, the plug 14 is then placed in position whereupon the sleeve is brought into encompassing relation with the tobacco rod end, member 13, and plug 14. The assembling of the filter components and the positioning thereof with respect to the tobacco rod may be readily accomplished by utilizing conventional techniques and apparatus well known in the cigarette-making art.

The relative positions of the panels and semicylindrical sections may vary from that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the arrangement, number, and shape of the perforations formed in the panels may also vary from that shown.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved smoke filter has been provided which utilizes a minimum number of component parts thereby greatly facilitating the assembly of said filter. The improved filter is highly effective in removing liquid and/or solid particles from the smoke. The filtering characteristicsof the improved filter remain fairly constant during smoking and no significant change in pressure drop across the filter occurs.

lclaim:

1. A smoke filter for attachment to one end ofa tobacco rod comprising a hollow cylindrical member formed of smoke-impervious material; said member including first and second semicylindrical sections, and perforated first and second panels; said sections and panels being foldably interconnected whereby said sections are disposed in inverted substantially superposed relation and said panels are arranged in closely spaced substantially parallel relation and disposed intermediate said inverted sections; the first section and the first panel cooperating with one another to form a first passageway having an open upstream end and a closed downstream end, the second section and the second panel cooperating with one another to form a second passageway having a closed up stream end and an open downstream end, said first and second passageways communicatingwith one another only through said perforated panels; the perforations of said first panel being of a size whereby the smoke passes therethrough as a plurality of high-velocity jets which impinge against the adjustment surface of the closely spaced second panel before entering said second passageway.

2. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein the semicylindrical sections and the perforated panels comprising said hollow cylindrical member are of a unitary construction.

' 3. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein the perforations of said second panel are of substantially greater size than the perforations of said first panel.

4. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein each semicylindrical section is provided with an inwardly projecting reinforcing bafile.

5. The smoke filter of claim 1 including a cylindrical plug of fibrous porous material disposed in abutting aligned relation with respect to the downstream end of said hollow cylindrical member, and smoke impervious means for retaining said cylindrical member and plug in assembled relation.

6. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said semicylindrical sections each have an elongated edge thereof foldably interconnected to one another, and the panels are foldably connected to the other elongated edges of said semicylindrical sections.

7. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein at least one of said panels carries spacer means engaging the other panel and maintaining said panels in a predetermined closely spaced parallel relation.

8. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said first panel includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent the downstream end of said first passageway, and said second panel includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent the upstream end of said second passageway.

9. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said first semicylindrical section includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent to and closing off the downstream end of said first passageway, and said second semicylindrical section includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent to and closing off the upstream end of said second passageway.

I II I i t 

1. A smoke filter for attachment to one end of a tobacco rod comprising a hollow cylindrical member formed of smoke-impervious material; said member including first and second semicylindrical sections, and perforated first and second panels; said sections and panels being foldably interconnected whereby said sections are disposed in inverted substantially superposed relation and said panels are arranged in closely spaced substantially parallel relation and disposed intermediate said inverted sections; the first section and the first panel cooperating with one another to form a first passageway having an open upstream end and a closed downstream end, the second section and the second panel cooperating with one another to form a second passageway having a closed upstream end and an open downstream end, said first and second passageways communicating with one another only through said perforated panels; the perforations of said first panel being of a size whereby the smoke passes therethrough as a plurality of high-velocity jets which impinge against the adjacent surface of the closely spaced second panel before entering said second passageway.
 2. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein the semicylindrical sections and the perforated panels comprising said hollow cylindrical member are of a unitary construction.
 3. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein the perforations of said second panel are of substantially greater size than the perforations of said first panel.
 4. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein each semicylindrical section is provided with an inwardly projecting reinforcing baffle.
 5. The smoke filter of claim 1 including a cylindrical plug of fibrous porous material disposed in abutting aligned relation with respect to the downstream end of said hollow cylindrical member, and smoke impervious means for retaining said cylindrical member and plug in assembled relation.
 6. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said semicylindrical sections each have an elongated edge thereof foldably interconnected to one another, and the panels are foldably connected to the other elongated edges of said semicylindrical sections.
 7. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein at least one of said panels carries spacer means engaging the other panel and maintaining said panels in a predetermined closely spaced parallel relation.
 8. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said first panel includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent the downstream end of said first passageway, and said second panel includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent the upstream end of said second passageway.
 9. The smoke filter of claim 1 wherein said first semicylindrical section includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent to and closing off the downstream end of said first passageway, and said second semicylindrical section includes a transversely extending smoke barrier disposed adjacent to and closing off the upstream end of said second passageway. 